Angus accused of misusing parliamentary website

Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan is alleging that New Democrat MP Charlie Angus is using his parliamentary website improperly.

Sheehan wants the House of Commons’ board of internal economy to review the website use and ensure he’s following the rules.

Sheehan penned a letter to Speaker Geoff Regan about his allegations.

Sheehan alleges that Angus solicits memberships and includes campaign information on his website, both of which violate the rules.

“It appears clear that Mr. Angus has violated both of these rules in advertising for his federal election nomination event and in soliciting NDP memberships directly from his members’ website,” the letter reads.

Sheehan is relying on the Members’ Allowances and Services guide rules which state an MP cannot solicit contributions or memberships to any party or solicit funds for community groups and charities.

“It’s pretty clear there is an issue here,” Sheehan said in a telephone interview from his Ottawa office.

He did not address the issue directly with Angus.

Angus, MP for the Timmins-James Bay riding, argues that his site is paid for by his region’s riding association, not by his own office budget.

Angus’s website contained notices about an upcoming NDP nomination meeting and a page that could be clicked on and rerouted to the NDP’s site, which allowed users to sign up as a party association member and donate to the NDP party.

Sheehan wants the review committee, which has representatives from all political parties, to investigate the matter and make recommendations. Those recommendations can include ordering corrective action.

Sheehan said he stumbled upon the postings by accident, but felt obligated to report it.

“I saw the request for membership and I know this is clearly against the rules that we have to follow and I felt obligated to report it,” Sheehan said.

The Saults MP isn’t the first to report such actions. Sheehan said it’s quite common.

“These things happen all the time. That’s why there is a board and the speaker is the chair,” he said. “The rules are black and white here and we need to make sure democratic processes are followed.”

An MP’s website is permitted to use party logo and party statements but may not ask for contributions or solicit party memberships or seek funds for community groups or charities.